Most of the people who work in this occupation have at least Bachelor's degree.

It is important to discuss your career and educational interests with an advisor or counselor. If you are currently a student, contact your advisor or counselor to set up an appointment.

You are encouraged to choose any major at which you can perform your best academically to prepare for an occupation, graduate school, or professional school.

Community Colleges

Major(s) offered by Virginia Community College that lead to this career.

Major Name

Action

Transferrable - Students seeking to transfer to a senior institution in order to pursue a baccalaureate (4-year) degree should choose a transferrable degree at a community college. The Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Arts and Science (AA&S) degrees are all intended to prepare individuals to transfer to a senior institution in order to pursue a baccalaureate (4-year) degree. Non-transferable (or applied) degrees, certificates, and diplomas are designed to prepare individuals to become employed or improve their employment status in a career or technical occupation.

Four-Year Colleges

All degree programs have components of a liberal arts education which will provide you with the knowledge and skills to not only prepare for this occupation, but for a wide range of life and work experiences.

How much will I make?

The chart below displays the top industries in your area that may employ this occupation as well as the average annual wage that the typical worker may earn in area or the starting annual wage that the typical worker may earn in the

Don't forget to choose one of theRequired, Preferred, No Preference options above.If no data You are required to choose No Preference

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Starting Salary

Median Salary

This is based on national data.This is based on regional data.

Where can I work?

These are the top 10 largest employers listed alphabetically, of this occupation in your region.

Employer

George Mason University

Heart & Vascular Institute

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Lab Corp

MEDICAL College Virgina Hosp

U Va Neurological Surgery

University of Virginia

University-Va Health Systems

VCU Health System

Skills and Work Attributes

These are the skills and other work attributes necessary for this occupation. Each is rated on a scale of 1 to 100 with 1 being not important and 100 being most important to fulfilling the duties of this occupation.

Level

Attribute Description

65

Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

63

Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

61

Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

61

Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

60

Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

60

Mathematical Reasoning -- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

60

Inductive Reasoning -- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

59

Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

59

Information Ordering -- The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

58

Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

58

Speech Clarity -- The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

56

Speech Recognition -- The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

54

Number Facility -- The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

49

Flexibility of Closure -- The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

49

Selective Attention -- The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

48

Perceptual Speed -- The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

46

Category Flexibility -- The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

41

Finger Dexterity -- The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

39

Speed of Closure -- The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

35

Memorization -- The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

34

Fluency of Ideas -- The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

34

Originality -- The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

30

Time Sharing -- The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

29

Far Vision -- The ability to see details at a distance.

24

Visualization -- The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

19

Visual Color Discrimination -- The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

18

Auditory Attention -- The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

16

Arm-Hand Steadiness -- The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

16

Hearing Sensitivity -- The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

16

Depth Perception -- The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

15

Manual Dexterity -- The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

14

Trunk Strength -- The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

13

Control Precision -- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

11

Multilimb Coordination -- The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

8

Wrist-Finger Speed -- The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

Speed of Limb Movement -- The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

1

Glare Sensitivity -- The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.

1

Night Vision -- The ability to see under low light conditions.

1

Gross Body Coordination -- The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

0

Spatial Orientation -- The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

0

Response Orientation -- The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

0

Rate Control -- The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

0

Reaction Time -- The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

0

Explosive Strength -- The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

0

Dynamic Strength -- The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

0

Stamina -- The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Gross Body Equilibrium -- The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

0

Peripheral Vision -- The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

0

Sound Localization -- The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Level

Attribute Description

67

Mathematics -- Using mathematics to solve problems.

61

Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

60

Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

59

Active Learning -- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

57

Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

55

Monitoring -- Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

51

Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively.

49

Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

45

Learning Strategies -- Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

4

Science -- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Level

Attribute Description

60

Time Management -- Managing one's own time and the time of others.

55

Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

54

Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

51

Social Perceptiveness -- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Customer and Personal Service -- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Law and Government -- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

42

Administration and Management -- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

41

Clerical -- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Production and Processing -- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

27

Sales and Marketing -- Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

27

Communications and Media -- Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Psychology -- Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

15

Public Safety and Security -- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

12

Engineering and Technology -- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

11

Foreign Language -- Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

8

Sociology and Anthropology -- Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

8

Philosophy and Theology -- Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

7

Therapy and Counseling -- Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

5

Building and Construction -- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

4

Geography -- Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

3

Food Production -- Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

3

Design -- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

2

Medicine and Dentistry -- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

1

Mechanical -- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

1

History and Archeology -- Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

1

Fine Arts -- Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

1

Physics -- Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

1

Chemistry -- Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

0

Biology -- Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Level

Attribute Description

69

Interacting With Computers -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

53

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others -- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

51

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization -- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

44

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People -- Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

40

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information -- Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

38

Scheduling Work and Activities -- Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

38

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others -- Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

35

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others -- Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

35

Monitoring and Controlling Resources -- Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Controlling Machines and Processes -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

11

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public -- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

9

Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

8

Handling and Moving Objects -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

6

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

FAQ

An oversupply or undersupply is shown for an occupation where I think the opposite is true. Are your numbers correct?

The oversupply or undersupply is based upon five-year projections of supply and demand with these projections based upon long-term trends. Long-term projections are used to help you gauge the job-market for an occupation over the length of years rather than the length of months. In the short-term, the job-market may fluctuate widely and in opposite directions. For example, a particular region may be forecast to have an oversupply of construction workers in the long-term, but because of a large building project over the short-term (from several months to even a year or two) there may be high demand for construction occupations. Another scenario that may cause a discrepancy is when a large firm is moving into or out of a relatively small region. Such a move may have a large impact on the demand of some occupations either increasing or decreasing the demand. The employment data shown in the Career Concourse (and which is used in the demand and supply projections) lags real time by about six to nine months. Therefore, a firm move just made or yet to be made will not be reflected in the current occupation employment or projections until six to nine months after the event. The bottom line is: use your own knowledge of your labor market to supplement the statistics shown in the Career Concourse.

I know what career I want. How do I choose the right major to get the career I want?

Check out the Careers by Name section. Select the name of the career that interests you and learn what majors lead to that career.

The Demand Gap is the annual undersupply or oversupply of workers for an occupation in your region. These numbers are projections based on the most recent economic data for the region in which you are seeking employment. An undersupply represents conditions whereby not enough workers for that occupation are available that are needed. An oversupply represents conditions when more workers are available than are needed.

VALHEN - The Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN) is an organization designed to serve as a networking structure for individuals in colleges, universities, and the community-at-large, to communicate, advocate, organize, research, and identify resources which support and work towards the success of Latinos in higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Small Business Administration - This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’'s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on a nondisciminatory basis.

JobsEQ - JobsEQ; is a registered trademark of Chmura Economics & Analytics. JobsEQ is protected by U.S. Patent 7,480,659; and patents pending.